thanks for the inspiration!

Every day I'm inspired by not only the people who I get to interview for Daily Imprint but the comments from those who drop by and say a few words. It's always appreciated. And so to say thank you for your support this year I want to offer a lucky dip prize (from products that have been featured on these pages) to five readers who leave a comment over the holidays. I'm going to take a month off so I will let you know the winner on my return.


So, please, let me know what you think about Daily Imprint. I have provided some questions below to get you thinking:


1. Why do you visit Daily Imprint?
2. Which posts have you enjoyed the most?
3. What are your thoughts on the interview questions?
4. Do you prefer the blog to be more or less focused on a particular topic, eg, design?
5. What do you think of the layout, design and images used?
just added - 6. Would you prefer the blog to stick to interviews or are you interested in some posts on projects I'm working on - behind the scenes of photo shoots/previews/etc?
Until then, see you next year when I will be posting some amazing interviews with two people who inspire me greatly - former Domino editor Deborah Needleman and The Sartorialist's Scott Schuman.


Have a great break, and thanks again for your time and support!


Warmest wishes,
Natalie


image courtesy of raven & lamb

photographer pattie boyd

A few weeks ago I went to see the Pattie Boyd photography exhibition at Blender Gallery in Paddington. If you want a break from Christmas chaos, I suggest you pop in too. Note that it ends on December 24. It's one of those exhibitions that transports you to another time. Simpler, perhaps. It might make you dream, too... about what the future holds, and your destiny. There is something magical about capturing people at the peak of their careers. It makes me want to stride into mine. I hope it inspires you too.


Which five words best describe you? Funny, compassionate, centered, spiritual, slightly eccentric.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? Modeling from there I learnt to use a camera.
What's your proudest career achievement? Having my first photographic exhibition in San Francisco.
What's been your best decision? To take up photography seriously.
Who inspires you? My friends.
What are you passionate about? Photography.
What's the best lesson you've learnt? To be brave without fear.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Mark Twain.
What dream do you still want to fulfill? Tango dancing.
What are you reading? The girl who played with fire by Stieg Larsson.


images courtesy of pattie boyd and blender gallery

artist david bromley

Artist David Bromley has fast become Australia's Andy Warhol, creating instantly recognisable portraits of society's leading figures. David is a man with a vision - and I'm in admiration of that. It seems he's indefatigable - today he opens his second shop - A Day On Earth - this one is in Armadale, Victoria (the other one is in Daylesford). This week he's also just launched A Picture Book First And Foremost for those of us still saving our pennies to buy the real thing. Yes, he's true an inspiration.


Which five words best describe you? Highly strung, exhausted but energetic, dreamer, naïve, idealist (a few extra!).
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? My first job was as a paperboy. The journey since then has been very windy with many pot holes.
What’s your proudest career achievement? Getting it started; definitely the first stages of finding a passion.
What’s been your best decision? Having children.
Who inspires you? Tori, my partner, for her constant pursuit of exploring the why's and what’s. Also artists and creative people who go off the well-trodden path such as Andy Warhol, Julian Schnabel and Alexander Calder.
What are you passionate about? Way too many things! That magic that can happen when you keep pushing things around as opposed to the pure form.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt? You can’t control things.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Julian Schnabel.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? A more at ease relationship with myself.
What are you reading? In the Sanctuary of Outcasts by Neil White. Plus a million interiors magazines, and I enjoy CASA Vogue.


images david bromley

fashion stylist romy frydman

I love the discovery of a new favourite. That's how I feel since discovering the fab blog and gorgeous work of Romy Frydman. She's just launched Style Me Romy to showcase her work with Australia's fashion elite, including hair doyenne Renya Xydis. I also love getting to know more about fashion types as they can be an elusive bunch. As well as editorial work, Romy styles Sarah Murdoch and Miranda Otto. Oh, and she has also styled one of my current fave images - the boat scene from the latest Country Road catalogue (pictured above).


Which five words best describe you? Excitable, creative, hardworking, generous, impatient.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? I studied fashion at RMIT in Melbourne then interned at marie claire Australia, for a week which earnt me the job as Melbourne Fashion Editor. I was then asked by Naomi Smith (now fashion director for Vogue; who is effectively still my employer) to come and join the team at Elle magazine - they were great times. Then NYC for 5 years where I freelanced; contributed to Nylon and then back home to be Contributing Fashion Editor at Vogue Autralia among other things.
What’s your proudest career achievement? My Blog - Style Me Romy - it's like having a second child (I already have a five year old son, who is my proudest personal achievement)
What’s been your best decision? Studying film at NYU: it opened up my eyes to so many different things and helped so much with my styling career.
Who inspires you? So many people: a lot of film directors and photographers, amazing writers, oh and some of my dear friends.
What are you passionate about? Family, work, reading, good films and tennis.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt? I'm still learning lessons every day.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? That's a difficult question, maybe Yves Saint Laurent in the late 60s or John Cassavetes.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? Financial gain.
What are you reading? Fountainhead by Ayn Rand for the second time. LOVE.


images via style me romy

florist claire rabbit

It's amazing what happens when you take a little detour. A few weeks back I was walking back to the office from the Ivy and came across Flourish Florist. It was divine. And not only did the shop have beautiful flowers but great homewares too. I organised to meet owner Claire Rabbit about a week later. She sourced the most gorgeous flowers for a styling shoot I did. Once the madness of that week passed, I had to find out more about her.

Which five words best describe you? Passionate, intuitive, dedicated, driven, sensitive.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? My first job was in the Christmas department at David Jones whilst I was still at school. I finished school and started a science degree which I was not enjoying at all. I had always been very passionate about flowers and moved to Sydney when I was 20 and found a job at a little flower store. I was learning on the job. Although, I remember looking at the window displays of Flourish one day and thought, “I can’t wait 'til I am skilled enough to work there. That store looks amazing.” I applied for a job and was successful. I eventually bought the business!
What’s your proudest career achievement? Buying Flourish was the scariest, yet most exciting and proud moment in my career. I did it just before my 30th birthday. I am so happy that I made this decision. Although it is very hard work but so satisfying.
What’s been your best decision? Buying the shop! Going back to buying at the flower markets myself, finding a business mentor, expanding the divine homewares range that we stock and finally completing the photo shoot for our website which will be back online soon.
Who inspires you? My mum continually inspires me. Theresa Lee my acupuncturist, Bev a mentor of mine inspires me also. The amazing flower growers that continually produce exquisite flowers and foliage and work tirelessly on their farms to provide us with beautiful product to sell. Every day Australians with remarkable stories such as Ian and Lyn Conway who have developed the Conway Kids Fund... providing, “A new dreaming for Education”... for Aboriginal children.
What are you passionate about? Flowers, foliage and the changing of seasons, family and friends, beautiful wine and food... especially spicy food! I love everything Art Deco, eclectic collections of antique vases, second hand stores, antique shops and OF COURSE Sydney Festival. I continually sponsor the Sydney Festival and feel that whilst working in the city of Sydney in a creative industry... it is important to support the creative arts. January is my favourite month of the year in Sydney.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt? To be pro-active rather than reactive. To have a work/life balance (still very much working on it!!!!). So many lessons about running a small business that there are too many to mention!
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? I would love to meet and hear Betty Wright sing. Amazing soul singer who was married to Miles Davis. A dream of seeing Al Green perform is coming true in January!
What dream do you still want to fulfil? Most importantly I want to be able to feel content. I would love to have my own family one day but in terms of physical dreams I would love to open Flourish New York, walk Kokoda and sail the Dalmation coast in Croatia.
What are you reading? I am always reading a few books at the one time, at the moment I am reading Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth, Potted Histories: an artistic voyage through plant exploration which was published by the Botanic Gardens and The Four Hour Work Week By Timothy Ferriss. Plus, I love exquisite homewares and interiors magazines!


images flourish florist

french pop folk band cocoon

This time two weeks ago I was looking forward to seeing Cocoon perform in Sydney as part of So Frenchy So Chic Live. But the gods were conspiring against me, and I am sorry to say I didn't make the gig. So for now I will just have to keep listening to their French pop-folk album "My Friends All Died In a Plane Crash" until they return to Australia.

Which five words best describe you? Oceans, Mountains, Cities, Time, Planes.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? Never had first jobs!
What's your proudest career achievement? To play at The Olympia, Paris & to tour America.
What's been your best decision? To leave our ex-boyfriend & girlfriend & to move to Paris.
Who inspires you? Anything or anyone who changes something inside of ourselves.
What are you passionate about? Photos, Cinema, Literature, Fashion, Internet, Music, of course.
What's the best lesson you've learnt? Take your time, and try to trust no one but yourself.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? No one.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? To release much better records. To tour Japan and Asia. To find a great girlfriend.
What are you reading? This week, the latest Philip Roth book & Kerouac's On The Road I know it's a classic but I've never read it before).

images cocoon and cartell music

crafter tamara maynes

I've been a fan of Tamara Maynes's work for a long time. I just didn't know it. It's amazing how some people are quiet achievers. They have a constant output yet are varied enough in their projects that you don't think, "Oh, there's another work by them." In the case of Tamara, it's perhaps because she creates so many bespoke pieces - so she's melding her art form to the desires of others. Either way, it's all brilliant. As well as producing products for Orson & Blake, editorial pieces for Inside Out, and fabric for Mokum, Tamara was one of the founders of The Pop Up Shop. If that's not enough, she has The Six Week Boutique. Enjoy the interview.

Which five words best describe you? Creative, meticulous, determined, loyal, grounded.

What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? My first job was as a sign writer for a record store. It was very 1980s High Fidelity, working in a cloud of cigarette smoke discussing the latest records as they played loudly overhead. As a teenager, painting all day in this environment was bliss and secured my determination to continue to be paid for being creative. From there it has been a smooth, unfettered 20-year journey into my current role doing product development for Orson & Blake, and running my studio Bespoke Workshop where I make specialised props for stylists and showrooms and craft limited edition pieces for my online store The Six Week Boutique.

What’s your proudest career achievement? Being invited to develop products for Orson & Blake was a great achievement. They have always been one of my favourite retailers and I am proud to have been working with them for the past six years. Having any of my work acknowledged in magazines or online also makes me feel quite proud of what I have achieved!

What’s been your best decision? Originally a country girl, moving to Sydney at 18 followed by some serious traveling at 21 were my best decisions. Growing up in the country I felt out of place, the world was calling... I could feel it in my bones. Deciding to spread my wings shaped me enormously.

Who inspires you? Creatively there are so many, but on a daily basis my husband wins hands down! A somewhat soppy answer I know, but as a talented musician in a competitive field I find his commitment to what he loves continually inspirational. His most recent challenge with MS leaving me even more inspired by his resilience.

What are you passionate about? At the moment I am crazy about the book proposal I am currently developing!

What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt? Albeit a lovely quality, patience isn't always a virtue! Working for myself I have learnt that it pays to come forward and ask for what I need. It is healthy and character building... and still a work in progress!

Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Living - my musical heroine PJ Harvey, a woman who is outrageously true to her creativity. Dead - my paternal grandmother Edith who left us way too early at the young age of 54.

What dream do you still want to fulfil? In 2010 I want to expand on my work as a craft designer, but the first dream to fulfill is to find the perfect publisher for my book!

What are you reading? OK you caught me, I am a Twilight addict... embarrassing but true! Breaking Dawn is keeping me up until well after midnight every night! Oh the shame...

images courtesy of tamara maynes

fashion designer rachael ruddick

It's no wonder handbags have taken centre stage in the fashion world this decade. When you see one that's good - it can really take an outfit to another level. My only gripe is that many people just go for a name rather than the intrinsic design. Whenever I can, I try to buy local. Even when it comes to luxury brands. This is where Rachael Ruddick and her gorgeous range of handbags and accessories (love the cuffs!) come in. Just check out her website and see if you can't help but put something on your Christmas list.

Which five words best describe you? Loyal, tenacious, ambitious, direct, compassionate.
What was your first career job and what path have you taken since then? Country manager Christian Dior fashion. Since then moved within LVMH to be brand manager of Dom Perignon and Moet & Chandon.
What's your career proudest achievement? Launching Rachael Ruddick, which I feel is the result of a culmination of my background in business, fashion and luxury.
What's been your best decision? There are a few: to study in France, to marry David and have a beautiful little girl.
Who inspires you? Various members of my family - my husband who is the most determined and motivated person I have ever met. My parents for their vision and passion, my brother for his loyalty and my sister-in-law Lucy for her creativity, warmth and ambition.
What are you passionate about? Dear friends, my family - oh, and handbags.
What's the best lesson you've learnt? Don't throw all of your eggs in one basket.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? I would love to spend some time with Ralph Lauren. He has created a quintessentially American brand, a brand that exudes luxury and excellence in design and workmanship, yet is affordable. His global empire is well defined.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? To open a group of accessories boutiques and concession areas.
What are you reading? The towering world of Jimmy Choo.

images courtesy of rachael ruddick

photographer kata bayer

With some people it's hard to know where to start. Take Kata Bayer. Do I describe her work as an interiors photographer with her partner Ferenc Varga at Product K? Or her fine art projects, which has seen her photography feature in high-end museums and galleries? But what about Raven & Lamb, the stationery range she's created that's fun and beautiful in equal measures? Then there's Friends Of Bruno, a new children's photography venture she's just launched. And all of this doesn't even mention the fact that Kata's a gorgeously fun person to be around.

Which five words best describe you? Excitable, funny, neurotic, loyal, impatient.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? Acting... but have been playing around with designing restaurant fit-outs, designing stationery products, graphic design, studied painting in Budapest then fine art photography in Melbourne, working as a commercial photographer on and off for the last 15 years.
What’s your proudest achievement? Not yet completed... would like to bring up Bruno to be a lovable, generous young man who will inspire others (although it was pretty cool to win the Next Level Vorsprung durch Technik Photography Award in the Fine Art category in London).
What’s been your best decision? To buy a new camera when I got paid for an acting job in Budapest at the age of 19... the one my dad bought me when I was six was a little out of date.
Who inspires you? Anyone with nice manners and no bull attitude.
What are you passionate about? Learning from people who change others’ lives for the better.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt? Everything in moderation.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Living: Lars von Trier, dead: Sigmund Freud.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? Too many to list; I come up with a new one nearly every day.
What are you reading? Empire: How Britain Made the Modern World by Niall Ferguson

images kata bayer, raven & lamb, friends of bruno

artist kristine pedler

It is a brave and determined soul who changes career and life direction while those around them keep on their steady paths. Four years ago Kristine Pedler took herself back to school - art school, that is, after years of working in the travel and health industries. The gamble in herself paid off. Not only did she complete the course successfully, winning an award along the way, but she's also exhibiting at Sydney's Washhouse Gallery - "Points of View" opens December 8 and runs until January 31.

Which five words best describe you? Adventurous, fun-loving, determined, patient, resourceful.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? Waitress in a Chinese restaurant at 16. Then many and varied – researcher, hot air balloon pilot, expedition cook, Himalayan guide, naturopath, health promotion officer, drug counsellor, executive producer... I could go on.
What’s been your best decision? To follow my heart and go to art school (four years ago) - the Sydney Gallery School at Meadowbank TAFE.
What’s your proudest career achievement? Winning a drawing prize in my first year of study - that showed me I was on the right track.
What was the starting point for this exhibition? Standing in the rose garden of Old Parliament House in Canberra and watching a bee burying itself in the petals. Actually it goes back much further - to pouring over art books as a child (my father was artist Max Pedler).
Who inspires you? Nora Heysen, Margaret Ollie, Tim Maguire and all artists who dedicate themselves to their work.
What are you passionate about? Being in the Australian bush, painting, printmaking, talking about art, and my life with my partner and children.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt? To believe in myself and do what I truly love, and it’s never too late to start.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Cate Blanchett (I would love to paint her).
What dream do you still want to fulfil? To paint in Italy.
What are you reading? The artist’s way: a course in discovering and recovering your creative self by Julia Cameron.

images kristine pedler and washhouse gallery

photographer luc remond

To become a professional photographer is no easy journey. Usually you have to assist for about two to four years - and that's often after completing studies. So the photographers that come out the other end are usually determined... and talented. One such example is Luc Remond.

Which five words best describe you? I’m perfect… sorry a perfectionist!, sentimental, intuitive, impatient and speedy.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? I’ve always loved being outdoors and during my travels through Europe had a stint on the Cote d’Azur as a plagiste, aka beach boy. Travelling with a backpack and camera eventually led me to take up photography, as my goal was always to avoid working in an office. As soon as I came home I began assisting Jason Loucas, and the rest, as they say…
What's your proudest career achievement? I’m proud every time my photos get a reaction. If my image makes someone think "wow", then it’s worth it.
What's been your best decision? To pretend I was interested in fashion photography, set up a test shoot with a stylist I knew and two years later ask her to marry me.
Who inspires you? Kelly Slater. I would love to be him for just one wave! Professionally, I’m inspired by the work of Slim Aarons. He wasn’t afraid to admit he spent his career photographing attractive people, doing attractive things in attractive places. He really lived the dream.
What are you passionate about? Warm summer evenings in the surf. A deep blue sky on a winter’s morning. Homes with perfect harmony. Evoking emotions through photography.
What's the best lesson you've learnt? Bend zee knees. Amazing how many things this can apply to.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Daft Punk minus the robo outfits.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? Pina Coladas poolside in the tropics on my honeymoon.
What are you reading? Guernica by Dave Boling. Asterix the Gladiator by Goscinny and Uderzo.

images luc remond

writer caroline overington

To make it to the top of the news journalism in Australia as a woman is no easy task. Caroline Overington has not only done that - she's twice won a Walkley Award for investigative journalism - but she's also successfully published three completely different books. The first was on the Australian wheat board scandal, the second, which I loved, was Only in New York: How I took Manhattan (with the kids) - she's a mother to twins - and the most recent is Caroline's first novel, Ghost Child. She currently works as a senior writer and columinst with The Australian.


Which five words best describe you? Mum-of-twins, Bob Dylan-obsessive.
What’s your proudest career achievement? Learning to listen.
What’s been your best decision? Pushing ahead for that 10th attempt on IVF.
Who inspires you? Children.
What are you passionate about? Our new puppy.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt? Don’t apply fake tan on the eve of your wedding. Also, hair extensions never look real.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Living: Bob Dylan. Dead: William Shakespeare.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? I wish I could have had six children. I’m still hoping for another miracle.
What are you reading? Recipe books.


images courtesy of caroline overington and random house